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What is a Labyrinth? by Straja Linder-King |
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| A labyrinth is a specially designed path, usually confined within a circular
shape, which takes us from the periphery to the center and back out again
along the same route. Although the path continually twists and turns, there
is only one path and one choice to be made--whether to continue the journey
or not. As a result a labyrinth walk takes us out of our busy, detail-oriented
left brain and into our more creative, intuitive and meditative right brain.
At its core the labyrinth is a metaphoric journey taken to contemplate
and explore deeper meanings of self. The circle, which has no beginning
and no end, is a universal symbol for wholeness and unity. The single gateway
or entry is also the place of return or exit back to the world, often with
a heightened compassion and a broadened understanding of our place in the
universe. Many people find the walk a peaceful, calming experience which
enables them to connect more deeply with the Holy wisdom within. The seven-circuit or Cretan Labyrinth is one of the oldest and well known. However, almost every religious tradition possesses some form of walking meditation. Labyrinths are present in Native American traditions and in Eastern religions as well. Although this spiritual resource has been dormant for about three hundred years, there has recently been a renewed interest in this newly rediscovered 12th century mystical tool, and both temporary and permanent labyrinths may be seen at many churches and cathedrals as well as secular territories such as hospitals and schools. Through the work of the Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress, author of the definitive book, In Walking the Sacred Path (1995), we are familiar with this ancient form of sacred geometry. Dr. Artress is also the Creator of the Labyrinth Project and Veriditas, at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. The Rev. Dr. Artress stated, "The labyrinth provides a sacred space where the inner and outer world can commune, where the thinking mind and the imaginative heart flow together... a space to listen to our inner voice of wisdom". She goes on to speak of the experience of walking the labyrinth in the following manner: "Walking the labyrinth is a spiritual discipline that invites us to trust the path, to surrender to the many turns our lives take, and to walk through the confusion, the fear, the anger, the grief that we cannot avoid experiencing as we live our earthly lives. The labyrinth is a place where we can open ourselves to the Holy Spirit. We can ask for guidance and pray for ourselves and our loved ones. It calms the confused mind and the chaotic, fearful heart. It allows us to release all that is in our way of relating to the Divine: our hard-heartedness, our judgments, our impatience. The healing power of gratitude often visits the heart". When we create healing changes our actions affect self, family, community and the whole world. Everything is related; the resurgence of the ancient labyrinth connects us to the sacred earth and is a powerful metaphor for our journey and relationships as we are constantly giving and receiving the gifts of healing energy. On the labyrinth we can connect with our intuitive deeper selves. The labyrinth is a sacred tool that stokes our creative fires, allowing our bodies to explore relationships with self, each other, the environment and celebrate our uniqueness of spirit. Spiritual Directions regularly offers labyrinth workshops which ritualize the seasonal equinox or solstice and give deeper meaning to our celebrations. These workshops enable spiritual growth and healing, enhance creativity and help us set new intentions and goals. Come and discover different ways to use the labyrinth to meet your specific goals and experience the spiritual upliftment in exploring this marvelous tool. ~Walk it in silence ~Allow God to speak to you in an image ~Let all thought go ~Focus on a problem ~Ask for inspiration ~Work on a particular healing you might need Watch for upcoming labyrinth workshops. |
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| Within the circles of our lives We dance the circles of the years The circles of the seasons... Again, again we come and go, changed, changing. Hands join, unjoin in love and fear, grief and joy. The circles turn, each giving into each, into all. Wendell Berry |
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Walking a Labyrinth is a body prayer. It is non-threatening; all we are asked to do is walk. Even those of us with the deepest inner divisions can do that. Moving through the labyrinth, we can learn what it feels like to stand firm in the world. We sense our feet firmly planted on the ground, our legs pelvis, torso, arms, neck, and head flowing with the energy of life. |
Labyrinths Available to the Public in the Calgary Area
This labyrinth is free of charge for the enjoyment of all. However, we assume no liability or responsibility for injuries or damages incurred on our grounds.
This is an outside labyrinth.